08.21.23
Extension of Federal Tax Deadlines for Taxpayers Impacted by Storms in Illinois
Based on the disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the severe storms and flooding that occurred in parts of Illinois (DR-4728-IL) between June 29, 2023 and July 2, 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced (IL-2023-06) that federal tax filing and payment deadlines falling between the dates of June 29, 2023 and October 30, 2023 have been extended to October 31, 2023 for certain taxpayers, including taxpayers residing in or having their principal place of business located in Cook County, Illinois. 

08.03.23
Virtual Currency Lands in the IRS’ Crosshairs
While the value of virtual currency continues to fluctuate, the IRS’ interest in it has only increased, as seen in Operation Hidden Treasure in 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. However, the Fiscal Responsibility Act, enacted in May 2023, will claw back $21.39 billion of that amount by the end of 2025. The IRS’s strategic operating plan for 2023 through 2031 lays out the agency’s intention to ramp up enforcement related to digital assets. If you buy, sell or otherwise engage in transactions involving virtual currency, you need to stay up to date with the latest tax developments.

08.03.23
The IRS Warns Businesses about ERTC Scams
The airwaves and internet are inundated these days with advertisements claiming that businesses are missing out on the lucrative Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). While some employers do indeed remain eligible if they meet certain criteria, the IRS continues to caution businesses about third-party scams related to the credit. While there is nothing wrong with claiming the credits that you are entitled to, those that claim the ERTC improperly could find themselves in hot water with the IRS and face cash-flow problems as a result.

06.07.23
What’s in the Fiscal Responsibility Act?
President Biden has signed into law the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, thereby finalizing the new debt ceiling agreement that he reached with U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The FRA suspends the debt ceiling through January 1, 2025, increasing on January 2, 2025, to accommodate the obligations issued during the suspension period. The FRA also makes a variety of changes related to domestic spending, although it falls far short of the cuts included in the Republican bill that the House passed in April.

05.22.23
Social Security’s Looming Crisis: Understanding the Problem and the Proposed Solutions
The future of Social Security is a topic of concern due to the program's impending insolvency. There are several proposals to address the issue, including increasing the payroll tax rate, raising the taxable wage base, adjusting the cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and increasing the retirement age. While each proposal has its pros and cons, it is crucial for policymakers to find a solution that ensures the sustainability of Social Security for current and future generations.

05.12.23
Proposed Regulations Regarding the IRA’s Clean Vehicle Credit
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) extended and expanded the Section 30D New Clean Vehicle (CV) Credit, previously known as the Electric Vehicle (EV) Credit. The IRS explained that the purpose of these amendments is to promote the purchase and use of “clean vehicles” by lower and middle-income Americans, to promote resilient supply chains and domestic manufacturing, to strengthen supply chains with trusted trading partners, to protect against improper credit claims and to achieve significant carbon emissions reductions.

04.13.23
Noncompliance with Unclaimed Property Reporting Requirements Can Prove Costly
Every state has an unclaimed property (UCP) law that requires businesses to regularly report their UCP holdings. Some states, including Illinois, even require “negative reporting” by businesses that believe they do not hold any UCP. Noncompliance can lead to costly state audits, and nearly every business is at risk.

03.24.23
U.S. Supreme Court Rules Against the IRS on Critical FBAR Issue
The U.S. Supreme Court recently weighed in on an issue regarding a provision of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) that has split two federal courts of appeal. Its 5-4 ruling is welcome news for U.S. residents who “non-willfully” violate the law’s requirements for the reporting of certain foreign bank and financial accounts on what is generally known as an FBAR.

02.16.23
Reading the Tea Leaves: Potential Tax Legislation in the New Congress
The 2022 mid-term election has shifted the scales in Washington, D.C., with the Democrats no longer controlling both houses of Congress. While it remains to be seen if — and when — any tax-related legislation can muster the requisite bipartisan support, a review of certain provisions in existing laws may provide an indication of the many areas ripe for action in the next two years.

01.12.23
2023 Tax Calendar
To help you make sure that you do not miss any important 2023 deadlines, we have provided this summary of when various tax-related forms, payments and other actions are due. Please review the calendar and let us know if you have any questions about the deadlines or would like assistance in meeting them.